Dumbbell Bench Press vs Dumbbell Pullover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Bench Press works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Pullover isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. See which fits your Chest day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Pullover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Bench Press vs Dumbbell Pullover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bench Press more often — 31,543 sessions compared to 4,159 for Dumbbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Pullover differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Pullover Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Bench Press | Dumbbell Pullover |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, triceps, and front delts | chest, back, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 31,543 sessions | 4,159 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Bench Press
Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell so that it is next to your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you can't lower the dumbbell to chest height, please lower it as much as you can without straining.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Dumbbell Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Pullover
Dumbbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell above your head.
- 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
- 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or chest, or if it is difficult to lower the dumbbell above the top of your head, do not overexert yourself and lower it only as much as you can, and adjust to a lighter dumbbell.
- 2. Engage your abs to protect your lower back so that your lower back does not overarch.
For a full Dumbbell Pullover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Pullover exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Bench Press or Dumbbell Pullover?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Bench Press more often — 31,543 sessions against 4,159 for Dumbbell Pullover. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Pullover work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Bench Press loads chest, triceps, and front delts, and Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Pullover need?
Dumbbell Bench Press needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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